As secure as a metal bowl full of holes...

[Mike]

The BBC are reporting they our governmet is still considering if they should collect a massive database of all our phone calls, emails and mobile phone positions. This spells disaster for 'freedom' in my humble opinion! Don't do it, it's a very slippery slope.

[johnriley1uk]

The only saving grace is that it would be impossible to actually monitor every communication. Just think of the nightmare when we get back off holiday now and trawl through all the forums we visit and the e-mails that have piled up. There's just too much volume of information.

To actually monitor in any significant way would need an army of snoopers. Actually, I might quite like the job, I'm very happy sat at my computer trawling through forums, reading my e-mails...

Hmmm, I might apply!

[Mike]

I think they would check into your background and be disturbed by the company kept on this website!

[Mike]

UK Government bill to monitor and record all email correspondence in the UK to guard our security. I wonder, who is protecting us from them?

[johnriley1uk]

A good time to read Eric Frank Russell's "The Great Explosion" where the subject of government paranoia is well covered. In a very amusing way as well.

[mr_e]

They already have the ability to monitor such correspondence, just in very specific cases with court approval. Sifting through and storing the information is going to be a huge burden on the taxpayer... imagine the amount of storage capacity needed (or ask Google). The government has lost a lot of public trust over numerous data losses, but I believe they've proposed a lengthy consultation period which may bode well (ie. mean it won't be passed).

[Mike]

This article is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard

Basically the jist is that in Manchester you can be the first to volentarily sign up for an ID card. They will only charge you £30 for the card and £30 for the fingerprinting and face scanning privelidge. Niceone. Anyone up for volentarily spending £60 on a useless piece of plastic?

Apparently they are aiming to reduce Fraud, combat terrorism and organised crime. Because obvioulsy the criminals are going to carry cards with their own details on them (if they are carried at all). The only way the combat terrorism and organised crime is by having a huge database of everyones finger prints - this actually only makes it easier to catch you after you have committed the crime. . . . not really what I would call prevention.

I would love to know who signs up for the cards and pays the money. Little old ladies perhaps? People who are afraid of these horrid youths that roam the street terrorising everyone? Who knows.

[BarcelonAl]

Daily Mail and Daily Express readers will eat these up!

I expect the greatest percentage uptake in Manchester to be centred around Chorlton with all of its liberal, veggie-types!

[Mike]

The UK is the most watched country on the planet. Well that sucks. I guess we are also the most timid and afraid as well. . . .

[Mike]

ID Cards are good for going to Bars. So are driving licences which are very much more useful.

ID Cards are good for travelling Europe and are only £30. ID cards will cost £60 not £30 and a passport at £77.50 is much better value for money because you can go all over the world (including Europe).

I really hope that ID card scheme in Manchester fails in a big way.

[johnriley1uk]

I really hope that ID card scheme in Manchester fails in a big way.

So do I, but I'm afraid there are a lot of sheep around who want to be guided and told what to do and think. All you guys are very much above the average so you can think for yourselves.